The Grey Pages with Brave Cities

– Lessons from Senegal with Joel RepicIn this special episode of the Grey Pages podcast, Joel Repic joins the team live from Senegal to share a deeply moving reflection on mission, suffering, and the slow, faithful cultivation of Kingdom ecosystems. What begins as a simple story about a fruit orchard becomes a rich metaphor for prophetic work in hard soil—spiritual, cultural, and literal.Joel recounts his time with a Senegalese pastor and his wife—pioneering believers in their tribe—who have built a refuge, a youth center, a school, and an orchard in one of the most difficult contexts imaginable. Together, the team explores what it means to fall in love with the process, to work with your hands, and to find hope not in the results, but in the slow, faithful labor of love.From aquaponics systems in Tampa to mango trees in Senegal, this conversation is a testament to those who plant where the ground is dry, who water with tears, and who stay even when there's little fruit—because they love the soil and the people on it.Topics Covered:The slow work of Kingdom ecosystems in hard placesWhy some of the most faithful work bears fruit far down the road—or not at allLearning from suffering, not success, in global missionThe healing power of working with your handsEmpire vs. Kingdom thinking: Results-driven vs. process-loving workAquaponics as a parable for community-buildingApostolic foundations and generational thinkingWhy “loving the process” might be the most sustainable posture for missionA Few Quotes:“He doesn’t just love results—he loves the soil and the people who live on it.”“It’s not normal for beautiful things to grow quickly.”“You might have to cut down the very tree you spent ten years tending.”“Kingdom work is everywhere. You’ll find Jesus in it—I promise.”Who This Episode is For:Mission workers, church planters, social entrepreneurs, anyone doing hard work in dry places, and all who need a reminder that slow faithfulness matters more than quick fruit.

Joel Repic, a church planter from Aliquippa, PA, and Jason Bowman, a digital strategist, dive into the complexities of transforming inspiration into action in community missions. They discuss how loyalty conflicts within denominations impact leaders trying to innovate. The podcast explores 'benevolent trauma' as a catalyst for change, the role of structure in mission, and the need for actionable pathways in community life. Through compelling metaphors and practical insights, they highlight the urgent call for a new approach to church and mission.

In this episode, Jon, Hugh, and Taylor sit down with their longtime friend David Gobout from St. Louis to unpack the gritty, raw, and faithful journey of community-rooted ministry.David shares his evolution from entering a marginalized neighborhood with the classic church planting mindset to uncovering that what the neighborhood actually needed was something much different — presence, patience, listening, and decades of relationship-building.From running neighborhood events and building a beloved outdoor basketball court to taking over the historic Melvin Theater and opening it up for the community, David’s story reveals the heart of long-game ministry — where slow, faithful work creates deep roots and real trust.Topics we cover:✅ Why David didn’t plant a traditional church✅ What it means to uncover the “good news” in a neighborhood✅ How the Melvin Theater became a hub for help, hope, and collaboration✅ The challenge and beauty of playing the long game✅ Why small acts of love (like building a basketball court) matter more than flashy programs✅ The power of contextual mission — and why results may take decades✅ Rethinking success: from counting heads to reshaping perceptions of God

Joel Repick, a dedicated community builder from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, shares his insights on cultivating mission-driven leaders—referred to as "unicorns"—in underserved areas. The conversation highlights the complexities of relocating talent into marginalized communities and the importance of nurturing local talent. They confront the real challenges faced in community engagement and personal tragedy, sharing raw stories that underline the need for deep, lasting transformation. The episode also explores the church's evolution as a family, army, and city, emphasizing authentic connections in the mission.

This discussion dives into the intriguing concept of anonymity and its role in personal and spiritual growth. It explores Jesus’ teachings on humility versus self-promotion, urging listeners to consider the authentic intentions behind their good works. The conversation contrasts community-focused storytelling with the pitfalls of branding. Personal anecdotes illuminate how self-promotion can stifle genuine passion, while the impact of ethical storytelling in nonprofits is examined. Ultimately, the episode advocates for embracing humility and authenticity in leadership and community building.

Joel Repic, a longtime friend and team member of Brave Cities, shares his experiences living within the Community of Celebration, a Benedictine-inspired intentional Christian community. He reflects on the core values of prayer, commitment, and communal living, offering insights on navigating conflict with grace. The discussion also touches on the unique challenges of gentrification, the difference between expectations and agreements in relationships, and the importance of gratitude in maintaining deep ties. This lively conversation brings humor and depth to the realities of building a shared life.

In this enlightening conversation, neuroscientist and author Jessie Cruikshank shares insights on the brain science of discipleship. She reveals how traditional teaching often hinders true transformation. Jessie discusses the differences between semantic and autobiographical memory, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in spiritual growth. She argues for a shift away from passive learning towards relational strategies that foster community and authenticity. With her unique background from roller derby to academia, she challenges listeners to rethink church practices and prioritize identity formation.

The discussion kicks off with reflections on a recent gathering of church leaders, igniting visions for community transformation. The hosts critique traditional church models that favor gathering over genuine change. They explore how preaching about the king differs from actively demonstrating the kingdom. The importance of elevating marginalized voices in church planting is highlighted, urging a shift from wealthier areas to those in need. A call to action stresses the need for deeper connections and collective support for the poor, advocating for a transformative approach to faith.

The discussion kicks off with a look at how denominational organizations are adapting to decline, focusing on church planting and leadership development. The relevance of traditional structures is debated, especially for younger generations seeking movement-based guidance. Tensions between faith and politics emerge, revealing the complexities of church leadership dynamics. The conversation turns to innovative solutions for financial stability in churches facing misconduct challenges. Finally, a lifestyle of serving communities, akin to living on biblical 'manna', is explored for deeper faith engagement.

We all wanted this convo to last forever! We are sure you will feel similarly.